2 two and a half year old hens stopped laying

[Georgeschicks]

hello!
my two and a half year old bcm and delaware hens stopped laying recently. the bcm hasn’t been laying for a while but we didn’t realize that our delaware wasn’t laying until this week bc we had two other hens who layed similar eggs. the bcm i posted about previously and people told me she might have cancer. her comb was previously purple and floppy but has turned almost completely red again. what is going on with my hens?? the two other chickens in my flock who are the same age are still laying really well.
thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Some hens will take breaks throughout the season. I see nothing in your pictures that would indicate there's a health problem. They look good to me.

Most hens start to fall in production between 2 and 3 years, so a drop I'd not unusual.

 

[Georgeschicks]

Some hens will take breaks throughout the season. I see nothing in your pictures that would indicate there's a health problem. They look good to me.

Most hens start to fall in production between 2 and 3 years, so a drop I'd not unusual.

thank god I was so worried they were sick. someone said on a previous thread that the bcm had cancer but she is starting to look better now.
is it possible that they are done laying completely? or are they just slowing down.

 

[aart]

someone said on a previous thread that the bcm had cancer but she is starting to look better now.

There will always be alarmists tossing out the worst case scenario's....without asking basic questions like....
What all and how exactly are you feeding?
Are you able to assess their droppings for anything unusual?
How many birds in how big of a space?
Do you free range?

...and....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[Georgeschicks]

There will always be alarmists tossing out the worst case scenario's....without asking basic questions like....
What all and how exactly are you feeding?
Are you able to assess their droppings for anything unusual?
How many birds in how big of a space?
Do you free range?

...and....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!
View attachment 1815003

thanks for the tips!! I am feeding them layer pellets by purina in a feeder in there run. their poop looks normal and there are four birds confined in a 15x20 foot run.ill be adding my location to my profile!! i live in maryland.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

thank god I was so worried they were sick. someone said on a previous thread that the bcm had cancer but she is starting to look better now.
is it possible that they are done laying completely? or are they just slowing down.

Many of mine are starting to take time off of laying for a bit. They generally lay the best in early spring, than slow during summer before having a slight surge in the fall before the molt. Higher production breeds may continue to lay, but most heritage breeds start to slow.

Generally you see your best production in the first 2 years than production can start to fall off. Some dramatically where they just lay a few a year, and others just continue to lay but at a decreased rate. Most will continue to lay until 5-6 years with some laying even longer.

Feeding a slightly higher protein ration can help to optimize production. 18-20% is best. It also may help to switch off the layer as hens that are laying less don't need all that extra calcium. You can feed either a non medicated starter grower or an All Flock or flock raiser with a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs. Hens will consume it as necessary.

 

[cjisok]

I live in MD, my mom's hens range between 6-8 years and still lay daily. Sometimes they'll go a few months at a time without laying.